Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald 08-14-2025

Courtesy Lawton Academy of Performing Arts

The Lawton Academy of Performing Arts offers classes ranging from screen acting to movie editing to kids 5-18.

Welcome to the Lawton Academy

Former actor brings film and theater training to Glen Head

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Lights, camera, action at the Lawton Academy of Performing Arts.

The school, located on 9 Glen Head Rd. in Glen Head, was founded by Andrew Lawton and his wife Darcy and opened last September. “I always wanted to do this,” he said. “I just didn’t know when it was going to happen.”

Lawton was born in Melbourne and acted during his childhood. As an actor, he originated the roles of Logan Reilly on ABC’s “One Life to Live” and Jake Black on hit Australian show, “Neighbours.” Between television appearances, he starred in national ad campaigns on both continents and

numerous plays and musicals.

After moving to New York City in 2000 he founded Kinetic Studios, a full-service video production company, in 2008. He and his wife moved to Sea Cliff in July 2021. Where he has since dedicated his time and money towards building his performing academy.

“There is no family money, there is no endowment at all,” he said. “It’s just been kind of sweat equity from the production company that I put into getting this place up on its feet.”

Lawton Academy operates on a fall and spring semester schedule, classes are designed to be small and offered to ages 5-18.

“We really wanted a personalized intimate experience for the kids,” he said. “Not one

Meet N.S.’s new director of Special Ed.

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Tefsa Stewart is a father, an avid fan of comic books, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the North Shore School District’s new director of special education.

“The energy of North Shore,” Stewart said, convinced him to join. “North Shore is a well respected, and high performing district, and there’s a lot of good work going on here.” he said, adding that he saw an opportunity to expand on the current work in special education being done by the district while also “figuring out ways that we could make some instructional efficiencies to streamline things”

opportunities for students with disabilities, improving on the existing instructional support and increasing emotional support for students are among Stewart’s top priorities as he begins his new position. “I never want to box anybody in,” he said “I want to make sure that we can push them appropriately.”

I want to make sure that we can push them appropriately.

TEFSA STEWART

North Shore Director of Special Education

Stewart brings over two decades of experience in K–12 education to the district. His work has encompassed several aspects of special education, including classroom teaching, program development, compliance, and leadership.

Creating more inclusive

“He (Stewart) is guided by the belief that students with disabilities thrive when they are held to high academic expectations, supported with accountability, and surrounded by love and support,” Chris Zublionis, North Shore district superintendent, wrote in a press release announcing his appointment. “His commitment is to help students build self-efficacy by developing the confidence to advocate for themselves, engage fully in their learning, and pursue meaningful postsecondary opportunities.”

North Shore Board of Education President Andrea Macari praised his skillset and his CONTINUED

Brings two decades of education experience

commitment to children and families in a written statement, adding that “The Board looks forward to the knowledge and innovation he will bring to our District.” The board announced his hiring at a special meeting on July 30.

Stewart earned his doctorate in Transformational Leadership from Long Island University this year. While attending, his research focused on the self-efficacy of educators and its impact on teacher retention, professional growth, and student achievement. He previously served as a K-12 special education administrator at the Hastings-On-Hudson School District, a position he began in 2017.

Before that he served as the Assistant Principal of the New York City Department of Education High School of the Arts & Technology, Dean and Special Education Teacher of the New York City Department of Education, High School of the Arts & Technology, and Special Education Teacher at AHRC Middle/High School in Brooklyn, NY. In addition he worked on initiatives such as the New York State Youth Advisory Panel, the Saturday Academy, restorative practices, and student-led affinity groups.

“Throughout his career, Dr. Stewart has worked to expand opportunities for students by developing innovative programs that strengthened enrollment and provided families with high-quality options within their home districts,” Zublionis wrote. “He has placed a strong emphasis on building trust with families by ensuring they feel confident in the services

and support available locally.”

Stewart acknowledged that the administration of education and special education is changing, explaining that the “needs of children are looking different” while considering potential challenges in his new job.

“There is an uptick with students going through some pretty severe emotional difficulties,” he said adding that “figuring out ways to support them appropriately within the confines of our school, and if not, other methods, I could see being difficult.”

He also acknowledged that another challenge is less retention of teachers compared to when he began his career. “You’re seeing a lot of younger teachers that are in the profession, and they’re not staying as long,” he said. “I don’t know if that’s an indictment on the system itself, or if there’s something we could do better to make this profession more appealing and or to keep people longer.”

The 42-year-old joined the district after former Director of Special Education Christopher Marino moved to the Riverhead Central School District. The months-long process to replace him involved several steps, including a rigorous screening process, faculty, parents, and administration committee meetings, and an interview with the board.

Stewart was the unanimous choice of the interview committees, according to Zublionis.“His vision, energy, and dedication to students,” Zublionis wrote. “Will help further our mission of empowering all students to discover their dreams.”

Courtesy North Shore School District

Tefsa Stewart is the North Shore School District’s new director of special education.

CASA set to tee off for 4th annual fundraiser

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

The North Shore Coalition Against Substance Abuse is set to host its fourth annual CASA Cares Golf Outing on Aug. 25 at the Brookville Country Club, raising money to support the goal of the nonprofit to combat youth substance abuse.

ASean Trager, co-president of CASA, described the event as the economic “lifeblood,” for the organization. Sponsors, which include local businesses, banks and community organizations are gearing up for another successful day of fundraising, camaraderie, and support.

s much as anything, we hope that folks will be generous if and when they can be

SEAN TRAGER

co-president North Shore Coalition Against Substance Abuse

“It’s pretty well attended,” Trager said, adding that around 150 people usually attend the fundraiser, which has become a community staple. The event aims to not only raise funds, which goes toward supporting CASA’s ongoing initiatives, including prevention education, community outreach, and Narcan training.

CASA has made it a priority to address the growing concerns of substance abuse, particularly in the face of challenges like fentanyl and vaping; but also foster a sense of unity among participants.

“We want to fill the room, and we want to create an environment where we can have healthy, productive discussions, where we can raise awareness,” Trager said. “As much as anything, we hope that folks will be generous if and

when they can be.”

Tickets are $300 per person and $1,200 for a group of four. Participants can enter as an individual, on a partial team or as a full team.

“North Shore CASA’s 4th Annual Golf Outing is more than just a day on the greens,” CASA Treasurer Bruce Kennedy wrote. “It’s our most important fundraiser to support programs that keep our young people and their parents informed, supported, and resilient.”

Those interested in participating in the event or supporting CASA’s work can find more information and register on the organization’s website, nscasa. org. Those interested in booking a foursome for the event email northshorecasa@gmail.com.

“Whether you’re teeing off or simply joining us for the dinner afterwards,”

Kennedy wrote. “Your participation helps CASA continue its vital work to protect and strengthen our youth.”

Photos Courtesy North Shore Coalition Against Substance Abuse The North Shore Coalition Against Substance Abuse is set to host its fourth annual CASA Cares Golf Outing on Aug. 25 at the Brookville Country Club.

Tickets are $300 per person and $1,200 for a group of four. Participants can enter as an individual, on a partial team or as a full team.

Sean Trager, co-president of CASA, described the event as the economic “lifeblood,” for the organization.

Stephanie Papiro, left, and Blaze Whitting attended last year’s CASA golf outing held at the Brookville Country Club.

Attendees of the outing include residents and community leaders such as CASA Board member Dan McDermott, left, and Annie Panetta.

Second Marriage Planning

In second marriage planning, a co-trustee is sometimes recommended on the death of the first spouse. While both spouses are living and competent they run their trust or trusts together. But when one spouse dies, what prevents the other spouse from diverting all of the assets to their own children? Nothing at all, if they alone are in charge. While most people are honorable, and many are certain their spouse would never do such a thing, strange things often happen later in life. A spouse may become forgetful, delusional or senile or may be influenced by other parties. Not only that, but the children of the deceased spouse tend to feel very insecure when they find out their stepparent is in charge of all of the couple’s assets. If you choose one of the deceased spouse’s children to act as co-trustee with the surviving spouse there is a conflict that exists whereby the stepchild may be reluctant to spend assets for the surviving spouse, because whatever is spent on that spouse comes out of the child’s inheritance. Then what if stepparent gets remarried? How will the stepchild trustee react to that event? What if it

turns out the stepchild liked the stepparent when his parent was living, but not so much afterwards?

Here is where the lawyer as co-trustee may provide an ideal solution. When one parent dies, the lawyer steps in as co-trustee with the surviving spouse. The lawyer helps the stepparent to invest for their own benefit as well as making sure the principal grows to offset inflation, for the benefit of the deceased spouse’s heirs. The stepparent in this case takes care of all their business privately with their lawyer. The trusts cannot be raided. These protections may also be extended for IRA and 401(k) money passing to the spouse through the use of the “IRA Contract”. Surviving spouse agrees ahead of time that they will make an irrevocable designation of the deceased spouse’s children as beneficiaries when the IRA is left to the surviving spouse, and further agrees that any withdrawals in excess of the required minimum distribution (RMD) may only be made on consent of the lawyer.

Second marriage planning offers numerous traps for the unwary.

All that glitters…

Dear Great Book Guru, I’m sitting on my porch this evening looking out over my neighbor’s beautiful garden (really…who needs a water view) finishing up a great book you recommended a few weeks agoRobert Baird’s “The Nimbus,” but as always, I’m looking for my next read - a psychological mystery if possible. Lover of Porches

Dear Lover of Porches, I have the perfect book for you - Megan Abbot’s latest: “El Dorado Drive.” The streets in mythical El Dorado were paved with gold and the residents of this Detroit suburb where the novel is set saw their golden lives destroyed when the American car industry crashed in the early 2000’s.

ANN DIPIETRO

Highly paid executives, lawyers, and engineers found their careers abruptly ended and their fortunes decimated. Families had to adjust to the new reality, and the women of El Dorado Drive

THE GREAT BOOK GURU NEWS BRIEFS

join together to find a way out of this financial abyss…or so they think. The story focuses on the Bishop sistersPam, Debra, and Harper – and their involvement with the Wheel - a play on the collapsing auto industry. But the Wheel is basically a pyramid scheme. The sisters and their friends pledge $5000 each with a “gift” to be bestowed on a lucky woman each week. Of course, this works only as new members can be found.

Starting out as women supporting women during hard times, the plan quickly deteriorates into a “Lord of the Flies” scenario. As we learn the stories of these desperate women, our sympathy grows even though we know there are no streets of gold in their futures - highly recommended!

Would you like to ask the Great Book Guru for a book suggestion? Contact her at annmdipietro@gmail.com.

Youth hockey registration starts soon

Registration for the Town of Oyster Bay’s 2025 Fall/Winter Youth Ice Hockey Program will begin soon. The program features a house league, which includes full house league games, a practice schedule, and playoffs for boys and girls in the 8 and under, 10U, 12U, and 14/16U age groups. Clinics spanning 10 weeks in duration are also available, including all girls clinics, 6U clinics, adult learn to play clinics and advanced skill clinics. Programs will begin on September 28th.

“The Town of Oyster Bay’s Youth Ice Hockey Program is one of the best games in town, and features many respected coaches dedicated to teaching this outstanding sport to the many boys and girls enrolled in the program,” said

Town Councilman Andrew Monteleone. The registration fee is $400 for residents and $500 for non-residents. Additionally, the program offers various clinics, including an all girls clinic and an adult learn-to-play program, both consisting of two 10-week sessions. The Boys & Girls 6U Clinic includes 10 sessions every other week for 20 weeks (September-March). The fee for all clinics is $150 per session.

Online registration opens for residents on Aug. 27 and 28 at 9 a.m. Registration can be completed by visiting oysterbaytown.com/sports.

For more information, email tobhockey@oysterbay-ny.gov or call (516) 433-7465, x8234.

■ WEB SITES: seacliff.liherald.com glenhead.liherald.com

■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: seacliffeditor@liherald.com, glenheadeditor@liherald.com

■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 327 E-mails: seacliffeditor@liherald.com, glenheadeditor@liherald.com

■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942

■ ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460

■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643

■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com

sea cliff/glen head

—Lisa Basini, Baking Coach, Bellport

Lisa’s passion is baking. Opening a store was a big step—one she made with support from PSEG Long Island’s Business First Program. She earned incentives for choosing a vacant space and rebates for upgrading to efficient LED lighting. Now, she’s saving on energy costs and her thriving business has made life a little sweeter for all of us.

Nassau H.S. football kicks off Sept. 5

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Kickoff for the Nassau high school football season is less than a month away.

On Aug. 18, all 53 public high school football programs in the county will begin preparations for the upcoming season, scheduled to open Friday, Sept. 5 with a handful of Conference IV games leading up to the first full slate the following week.

Aside from then eight-time defending Conference II champion Garden City moving to Conference III, which saw it dominate the competition on the way to another title, the biggest news last offseason was the decision to add an 11 a.m. kickoff slot. That’ll continue in 2025 and possibly beyond, first-year Section VIII football coordinator Joe Martillotti said, as the county builds its varsity officials staff.

“We’re definitely in better shape with officiating crews as we were last year,” Martillotti said. “Some are doubling up with 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. games on Saturday. We don’t have enough officials to play every game at 2 p.m. on Saturday, but there’s also more and more teams playing Friday night which helps.”

Some teams with multiple 11 a.m. starts this season include Clarke (four), Carey (three), Sewanhaka (three), South Side (three), Uniondale (three), Elmont (two), Valley Stream South (two) and Wantagh (two.)

Massapequa (Conference I), Carey (II), Garden City (III) and Wantagh (IV) won county titles last season, but the landscape has changed again with Rutgers Cup winner Garden City moving back to Conference II, Wantagh returning to Conference III where Carey also resides now.

Carey and Wantagh are seeded No. 1 and 2, respectively, but won’t meet until Week 7 (Oct. 25) at the home of the Seahawks. Carey, which defeated Half Hollow Hills East for the Long Island Class II crown to cap an undefeated campaign, opens at home Sept. 13 against Valley Stream South.

Massapequa, which won the Rutgers Cup in 2023 and seeks a third straight county title, is ranked second behind Farmingdale this season. The Chiefs won an overtime thriller over the Dalers in the Conference I championship game last November. The teams will meet again in Week 6 at Farmingdale. Massapequa opens at home versus Freeport Sept. 13; the Dalers host Syosset the previous evening.

Third-ranked Long Beach is tasked with opening the season against Garden City in the Trojans’ return to Conference II. Garden City has won a remarkable 54 consecutive games.

10 games to watch

Sept. 12 Freeport at Massapequa

Sept. 13 Garden City at Long Beach

Sept. 19 Farmingdale at Oceanside

Sept. 27 Carey at South Side

Oct. 4 Plainedge at Lynbrook

Oct. 11 Mepham at Garden City

Oct. 18 Massapequa at Farmingdale

Oct. 25 Wantagh at Carey

Oct. 25 Freeport at Oceanside

Oct. 31 Seaford at Plainedge

Conference IV runner-up Plainedge is ranked at the top this season and kicks off on the road at North Shore Sept. 6.

Teams choosing to play a full game scrimmage can do so once 10 practices are completed, making Aug. 29 the first potential date. Teams can conduct joint practices as soon as Aug. 23 and are permitted to play 7 on 7 and also run 10 plays (11 on 11) in full gear.

Nine teams switch conferences

Along with Garden City, Carey and Wantagh, six additional teams switched conferences for 2025 based on enrollment figures. East Meadow and Valley Stream Central slid from Conference I to II, Sewanhaka from II to III, BellmoreJFK from III to II, Valley Stream South from IV to III, and Lynbrook from III to IV. East Meadow and Kennedy meet Week 1 in Bellmore. Valley Stream Central opens at home against MacArthur, Sewanhaka hosts Floral Park, and Lynbrook hits the road to face Malverne.

Few coaching changes

Last season saw new head coaches debut at Baldwin, East Meadow, Freeport, Mepham, Seaford and at the midway mark, Lawrence. Most of those squads enjoyed success and were part of the Nassau County playoffs. This year there’s new sideline bosses at North Shore and Manhasset. Dan Agovino left a legacy at North Shore with 23 years at the helm and led the Vikings to a pair of county championships and their first-ever L.I. title in recent seasons. Longtime assistant Bill Madigan takes over. At Manhasset, Mike Lewis takes over for legendary Jay Iaquinta.

Chase Samelson is set to be Lynbrook’s starting quarterback this fall.

Nick Carentz and Oceanside will take on Farmingdale Sept. 19. Eric Dunetz/Herald photos

New tourism website for Sea Cliff, Glen Cove

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Longtime Glen Cove resident Lora Cusamano recently launched a new website dedicated to generating tourism in the city alongside its neighboring village Sea Cliff.

She launched VisitGlenCoveandSeaCliff.com through her company, Cusumano Associates Inc., on July 30. Throughout her life Cusamano has been heavily involved in working and living in both areas. She said that her goal was to highlight the numerous events that Sea Cliff and Glen Cove have to offer and find a transition as she plans to retire from her real estate business, Lux House Hunters, which she opened 20 years ago.

TLORA

sulting services to local businesses, with plans ranging from $35 a month to $50 a month, according to Cusumano. Cusumano emphasized her belief in community involvement. The 57-year-old is currently chair of the Glen Cove Beautification Commission. Her husband, Bruce Kennedy, is a former Sea Cliff mayor and the current village administrator. “I’m Glen Cover,” she said. “And Bruce is the Sea Cliff guy.”

CUSAMANO founder of VisitGlenCoveandSeaCliff.

com

“They’re both very unique areas, and they’re different,” she said. “Having them both on there together, people can mix and match. Go to the farmers market in Glen Cove and then have lunch in Sea Cliff. So they’ll see the different things for both of those towns.”

Local events such as street fairs, concerts, and farmers’ markets or activities hosted by local organizations can be put on the website for free. The site will also offer low-cost digital advertising and con-

Cusumano debuted the website on Wednesday, July 30, at a local business networking event held at the Mill Neck Manor House. She said that so far initial responses have been positive, with the website generating 1,400 visitors since launch.

“I have interacted with both of the municipalities,” she said. “I think they are excited. Like several people have said to me, I can’t believe that we never had anything like this before. I’m just really at the beginning of it.”

The event was cosponsored alongside the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce, Gold Coast Business Association, Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber, North Shore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Glen Cove Downtown Business Improvement District,and Roslyn Chamber of Com-

Longtime Glen Cove resident Lora Cusamano recently launched a new website dedicated to generating tourism in the city alongside its neighboring village Sea Cliff.

merce. Now, Cusmano’ goals for the website are finding more events in the area to highlight and adding more articles on the website highlighting activities to do in both communities. In addition to connect-

ing with more local businesses to showcase, she added that she hopes to attract people from New York City, Connecticut and Eastern Long Island to the area.. She encouraged more submissions as well.

Protect What Matters Most-

Courtesy Lora Cusamano

More ask, ‘Can we afford to live here?’

Breaking down Long Island’s housing affordability crisis, affecting both homeowners and renters

By JORDAN VALLONE, RENEE DeLORENZO & AINSLEY MARTINEZ of Herald Community Newspapers

First in a series about housing on Long Island.

On Long Island, where the cost of living continues to climb, the term “affordable housing” is often misunderstood — or dangerously oversimplified.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, housing is considered affordable if it costs no more than 30 percent of a household’s gross income. But even in Nassau and Suffolk counties, where the median household income hovers around $125,000, many families find themselves priced out of both the rental and homeownership markets.

This series — “Priced Out: the Fight for Affordable Housing” — begins by laying the groundwork: breaking down terms like “affordable” and “low-income” housing, and clarifying how programs like Section 8 fit in. It also examines who is impacted — not only low-income residents, but also middle-class workers, retirees on fixed incomes, and young adults trying to remain in the communities where they grew up.

Through interviews with housing experts and advocates, and an analysis of Long Island housing data, this first installment provides context to help readers understand the scale and complexity of the crisis — and sets the stage for further installments in the weeks ahead.

Understanding affordable housing, and how Long Island measures up

According to HUD, “affordable housing” means housing that is affordable for people with low to moderate incomes. The definition of “low income” is based on Area Median Income, or AMI, which varies by region and household size.

Affordable housing should cost no more than 30 percent of a household’s monthly income — whether that’s rent and utilities for renters, or mortgage and housing expenses for homeowners. Households spending more than that are considered “cost burdened,” with many forced to sacrifice other essentials like food, transportation and health care.

A 2024 report by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli found that nearly 3 million New York households spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. One in five households experiences a “severe cost burden,” devoting more than half of their income to housing.

On Long Island, 36 percent of households fall into the cost-burdened category.

Programs like Section 8 — part of the public housing system administered by HUD — provide housing assistance for low-income residents. Eligibility varies by location, as does the availability of units.

Long Island is grappling with an affordable-housing crisis. The high cost of homes and high

make it nearly impossible for many people to find housing — an issue that has many causes.

Freeport is an affordable-housing community, but experts contend that there is a need for

Racism, said that the housing crisis disproportionately impacts minority communities due to extensive segregation in Long Island’s housing market. She added that there is often an implicit bias among residents about who affordable housing is designed to serve.

“It isn’t just about welfare,” Taylor said.

On Long Island, some village or town-level housing authorities administer public housing and Section 8 programs, though inventory is usually small or seniorfocused, according to information from the Long Island Center for Independent Living.

What do experts have to say?

Hunter Gross, vice president of the Huntington Township Housing Coalition — which advocates for the Long Island Housing Coalition — said that Long Island’s housing crisis touches a wide range of residents.

“The affordable housing crisis on Long Island is affecting you unless you’re rich,” Gross said simply. “It’s affecting most people, regardless of ethnicity, skin color and profession.”

April Francis Taylor, acting president of ERASE

Many families — particularly in communities of color — have not had the economic opportunity to accumulate generational wealth, Taylor explained. That wealth is often passed down in the form of cash, investments or property.

Those who have never owned homes are still playing catch-up, she said. And the harder it is for them to purchase homes, the harder it becomes to improve their economic conditions. This reinforces the need for fair housing in achieving racial equity, a key mission of ERASE Racism.

“There’s generational things, there’s racial things — the economic piece of those is huge,” Taylor said.

One of the policies that helps address the issue, Gross explained, is inclusionary zoning, which sets aside a portion of apartment units at below market rates.

Currently, Long Island has income-restricted rental housing funded by low-income tax credits, as well as workforce housing, Section 8 housing and senior affordable housing developments. But, Gross said, there is not nearly enough of it.

Expanding the types of affordable housing on Long Island — while increasing access to what already exists — is essential to meeting the needs of all demographics, he said. That includes building more accessory dwelling units, higher-density housing, and senior housing options, so older residents can downsize and make room for younger families in the market.

“It’s a domino effect,” Gross said.

Without meaningful efforts to make Long Island

Ainsley Martinez/Herald file

At the Langdon, an apartment building in Lynbrook with studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, 20 of 201 units are designated “affordable,” for households earning up to 80 percent of the area median income.

Courtesy Yolanda Robano-Gross

rent for apartments

Above, the Smith at

many more.

This crisis spares none ‘unless you’re rich’

more affordable, young professionals looking to start families are leaving, he added. The median home price continues to climb, making ownership less attainable. “There’s a mass exodus of young professionals because they can’t afford a home here,” Gross said. “We’re losing so many folks.”

When young people are driven out of communities, the National Low Income Housing Coalition states, it weakens local economies by shrinking the workforce and straining public services.

Expanding affordable housing, Gross said, would help lower housing prices across the board.

A 2024 study by Urban Wire, a blog by the Urban Institute, found that new housing construction in areas with less restrictive zoning laws resulted in lower prices — evidence of which was observed in Houston, Texas.

But that’s only part of the picture. On Long Island, Gross said, there are still many barriers to building affordable housing. Zoning laws, land-use policies and a lack of public assistance all need to be addressed comprehensively.

“The only way we can actually make a difference in this crisis is by changing our policy,” Gross said. “We can work with our town boards, but they have to be willing to accept the reality of the crisis that we’re in and agree we really need to start making changes.”

What the data says: a Herald analysis of L.I. home prices

A Herald analysis of 1,052 homes currently listed on Redfin, a real estate brokerage website, across 27 municipalities in Nassau and Suffolk counties and surrounding areas reveals a regional housing market under pressure, with high prices and a shrinking pool of affordable homes.

Across all listings, the median home price was $809,500, roughly 9.5 times the median income, according to U.S. Census data. The homes averaged 2,161 square feet. Only 0.76 percent of the listings — just eight homes — were under $255,000, and considered affordable under a standard affordability metric, with prices no more than three times the median household income of $85,000.

Oyster Bay and Glen Head had the highest average list prices, more than $3.4 million, with their average home sizes nearing 5,000 square feet. Homes in the top 5 percent of the market cost more than $2.57 million, with several listings above $10 million.

The most expensive home per square foot was a 320-square-foot bungalow in Freeport listed at an eye-popping $2,343 per square foot, more than four times the regional average.

Other towns with high price-persquare-foot values included Sea Cliff and Oceanside, all indicating strong demand for smaller, high-end properties in desirable waterfront or coastal-adjacent locations.

A handful of communities — East Rockaway, Freeport, Lynbrook, Rockville Centre and Valley Stream— had

the chart above shows the median list prices of homes in 28 areas of Long island, based

Herald file photo

Zoning laws in local municipalities impact housing on Long island. throughout her term as governor, Kathy Hochul has tried to adjust laws to bolster housing here. She was met with criticism from area officials who campaigned to “Save our Suburbs.”

the only listings flagged as potentially affordable. Each had one or two homes priced below $255,000.

Still, these were outliers. In most towns, even entry-level listings exceeded $600,000. The average price per square foot across the region was $510, but several areas exceeded $600, making them among the most expensive for their size.

The gap between municipalities is stark. The average home in Oyster Bay costs nearly five times as much as the

average home in Freeport.

Despite the variety of housing stock, most homes shared certain characteristics: around four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and measuring between 1,700 and 2,400 square feet.

With prices elevated and affordability metrics strained, first-time buyers and middle-income families face daunting odds in securing homeownership on Long Island without substantial wealth or financing.

Key terms, explained

■ Affordable housing: Defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as housing that costs no more than 30 percent of a household’s gross monthly income, including rent or mortgage plus utilities.

■ Cost burdened: A household that spends more than 30 percent of its income on housing. “Severely cost burdened” applies when more than 50 percent of income goes toward housing.

■ Section 8: A federal housing program providing rental assistance to low-income households. It includes:

■ Project-based subsidies tied to specific buildings

■ Housing Choice Vouchers: portable subsidies tenants can use to pay rent

Illustration by Ainsley Martinez

on current data from redfin.

Celebrating Sea Cliff’s nighttime beauty

By Julia Capitelli Intern

Friends, neighbors and art lovers joined local photographer Alan Klein on Friday for the opening of his photography exhibit at the Sea Cliff Arts Council.

“Through My Eyes: Sea Cliff Nightscapes” is on display through September with more than 30 images of the village at night hanging at the arts council building at 86 Roslyn Ave. Klein took every photo using his iPhone.

“I was so excited to see so many neighbors and friends at the opening reception,” Klein said.

Klein spoke briefly at the event, thanking friends and arts council members who supported the project and helped him hang his work. Some photos from the project not featured in the exhibit at the arts council due to spacing will be posted to his website, AlanKlein. com.

Mark Sobel, a village trustee and the arts council’s producer at large, worked with Klein to secure the exhibit. He said that the large turnout to the opening speaks to the quality and creativity of Klein’s work.

“We love the exhibit as it is a portrait of our village, in an array of colors and photos that capture the warmth as well as its weirdness,” Sobel said. “But not to be lost is how welcoming the exhibit is to the many visions of an artist at work, and that’s the best we can strive for.”

This is Klein’s first exhibit at the arts council, and he said he hopes to have another in the future.

“People bring their own perceptions and associations to an exhibit,” he explained. “and that is what’s so rewarding about sharing my work with the community.”

Klein will be holding an artist lecture on Aug. 19 and a class on iPhone photography on Sept. 9, both at the arts council.

More information about the exhibition can be found at SeaCliffArtsCouncil.org.

Julia Capitelli/Herald Photos

Friends, neighbors and art lovers joined Alan Klein for the unveiling of his exhibit.

The photographer spoke about his exhibit and thanked those who helped hang the photos.

The photos in the exhibit depict landscapes and structures, many lit up, in the village at night.

Members of the community took in Alan Klein’s work at the exhibit opening.

Members of the community took in Alan Klein’s work at the exhibit opening.

Dems demand answers about NUMC matters

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Nassau County Democrats are continuing to press Republican lawmakers for answers about Nassau University Medical Center, raising a long list of concerns that stretch back to the spring — before New York state officials initiated the takeover of the hospital and its parent organization, the Nassau Health Care Corporation.

Following a July 29 Newsday report that former health care executives charged a $1,400 Manhattan restaurant bill to the hospital in late May, Democratic Legislators Seth Koslow and Delia DeRiggiWhitton announced the referral of the allegations to local, state and federal prosecutors. Koslow is running for county executive, and DeRiggi-Whitton leads the legislature’s minority caucus.

Wminority.

State officials have filled their allotted seats, with Stuart Rabinowitz, former president of Hofstra University, being named the board chairman by Hochul. Dr. Richard Becker, a system executive from Northwell Health, was named interim president and chief executive by the board. Blakeman has not yet designated his appointees, having expressed his frustrations with the state’s overhaul in June.

“While Nassau’s only safety-net hospital was drowning in $1.4 billion worth of debt,” DeRiggi-Whitton said at a July 29 news conference in Mineola, “top executives were treating themselves to lavish lobster dinners, luxury hotels and first-class perks. NUMC exists to save lives. ”

e deserve a hospital that puts patients first — not lavish lifestyles for high paying executives.

The public hospital in East Meadow, according to a news release from the minority caucus, is $1.4 billion in debt. Interim leadership at NUMC, appointed over the last two months by state officials, have accused the hospital’s former president and chief executive Meg Ryan of authorizing $3.5 million in improper severance payments, including at least $1 million in excess of hospital policy. Ryan and her legal team have rebuffed the claims, with Ryan announcing her intent to sue NHCC alleging wrongful termination, lost wages and intentional reputational damage last month.

SETH KOSLOW Nassau County legislator, District 5

“The payments she authorized were permissible under hospital policy and consistent with years of established practice by the CEOs who preceded her,” Alex Hartzband, an attorney with Grubin Law Group representing Ryan said in a release.

Ryan maintained that during her time as president and chief executive, the hospital system “expanded services, improved quality of care, and reduced expenses.”

“My top priority has always been giving people the best possible health care and protecting our dedicated employees,” she said.

Provisions in New York’s budget that passed in May allowed the state to begin taking over parts of the hospital system and changing its leadership structure. The move shifted control from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman to Gov. Kathy Hochul and state Democrats.

The restructured board includes six members appointed by the governor — including one recommended by the state Assembly speaker and state Senate president — two appointed by the Nassau County executive, two by the county Legislature’s majority, and one by its

“Every single dollar for every perk that was used and every impromptu payout that was spent of these executives are taxpayer dollars that should have been used to help the people of Nassau County,” Koslow said. “There are 300,000 residents that use the hospital every single year. Every single dollar spent on these lavish expenses could have been used to help those patients.”

In three certified correspondences sent on July 29 to the offices of Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnelly, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, the minority caucus requested an investigation into the “lavish and questionable” spending by former NUMC executives; the allegations against Ryan and the “improper” payouts; and the “unexplained theft and recovery” of documents from former board chairman Matthew Bruderman’s home, shortly before his abrupt firing in April.

“We’re not going to stand for this,” Koslow said. “We believe it’s public corruption. That’s why we are referring these issues and these incidents for further and full investigations.

“These matters must be investigated for the sake of taxpayers, for the sake of this government and for the sake of our people in Nassau County,” he added.

“We deserve a hospital that puts patients first — not lavish lifestyles for high paying executives. This goes deeper than what we see today, and that’s why we’re calling on our state and federal officials to investigate this alongside our county district attorney’s office.”

In a Newsday story on the same matter, a spokesperson from the Nassau DA’s office stated the office has “previously initiated an investigation into NUMC mismanagement,” adding that it remains active and ongoing. The office confirmed the receipt of the minority

letter.

A night with Eileen Collins A VISIT FROM THE STARS

By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com

The Herald sat down with retired astronaut Eileen Collins during her July 26 visit to the Cradle of Aviation museum’s Spacewoman weekend. Collins, the first woman to pilot and command a NASA space shuttle, opened up about the determination that fueled her career, the fallout from the Columbia disaster and her message to a new generation with big dreams.

Herald: What did your family tell you when you wanted to be a pilot and astronaut?

Collins: When I was younger, I did not tell my family I wanted to be a pilot because I didn’t want them to tell me I couldn’t do it. So I kept it a secret. They had no money to pay for flying lessons so I got my own job when I was 16 and saved more than $1,000. I

don’t know what my parents would have said. They’d probably say, “you’re crazy, you can’t do that.”

Herald: How did the “Return to Flight” mission influence your role as a commander compared to your experience commanding in 1999?

Collins: We were five weeks to launch – from the Columbia accident – and our mission went out the window. We went through full accident investigation mode. My job as a shuttle commander went away and I needed to figure out what to do. But once we eventually get the shuttle back in space again how do we do that safely? It was very emotional. A very difficult time with decisions, a lot of conflict.

Herald: Were you scared? Collins: No I was not scared at all. I was never really scared.

If I were scared I would have to quit. I wanted to be the commander of the next mission. My daughter was eight and I did everything I could to keep her from being scared. Families didn’t trust NASA’s shuttle program. That’s my opinion. Somebody would tell you something else. But I was 100 percent confident. I said let’s go come on! Let’s get this thing off the ground!

Herald: What was it like working on missions?

Collins: Well, I wouldn’t say “Return to Flight” was a fun mission. Very few missions were fun at all. We try to show the fun parts when we talk to groups or kids because people want to see food floating and astronauts flipping around.

Herald: What advice would you give to girls interested in STEM?

Collins: It’s very simple. Do your homework, listen to your teacher and read books. Don’t blow off school – I did that and let me tell you, I regret it. I didn’t take math my senior year in high school and that was the dumbest decision. None of my friends were taking math, so why should I?

Herald: How did you become involved with the Cradle and how do you think the turn out was?

Collins: The Museum holds a special place for me. I’ve been fortunate to return multiple times, and each visit reinforces the importance of preserving this history, particularly with

incredible artifacts like the actual Lunar Module on display, a powerful reminder of Long Island’s role in our journey to the moon. The enthusiastic turnout for the ‘Spacewoman’ screening and Q&A was a testament to that enduring interest, and it’s inspiring to see so many people connecting with these stories and looking to the future of space exploration.

Tim Baker/Herald Col. Eileen Collins the first woman astronaut to pilot and command a space shuttle visited Cradle of Aviation Museum on July 25 for a screening of her new documentary, “Spacewoman.”

New service dog joins Special Victims Bureau

Samosa III will be busy at Nassau County district

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Samosa III, a Labrador-golden retriever mix nearing her second birthday, has become a key member of the Nassau County district attorney’s office.

The easygoing puppy took part in Canine Companions’ National Graduation Ceremony last Friday at the organization’s Northeast Training Center in Medford. The group was one of the country’s first service dog providers, and is celebrating its 50th year in operation. Samosa III will serve as a facility dog, bred and trained specifically to support people testifying in sensitive court cases.

She was one of 56 dogs who graduated from Canine Companions. On stage, her leash was officially handed off from Puppy Raiser Kelsey McGraw to Amber Kemperman, the assistant district attorney for the D.A.’s office’s Special Victims Bureau.

“We’re very excited to have Samosa in the Nassau D.A.’s office,” Kemperman said. “We’re excited to see her personality come through a little more, with how affectionate and playful she can be.”

As a part of the D.A.’s team, Samosa will be involved in many cases, helping victims of crimes process their feelings while working with law enforcement. “Samosa will be coming to work with me every day,” Kemperman explained. “She will be able to sit in on meetings and interviews with victims of domestic violence and child sexual abuse victims and provide comfort for them as they talk through the details of everything that they’ve gone through.”

McGraw, a volunteer trainer, raised Samosa

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly, left, Assistant District Attorney Amber Kemperman and Puppy Raiser Kelsey McGraw celebrated Samosa III’s graduation last Friday.

burgh. After she passed the leash to Kemperman at Friday’s graduation, she welled up.

“It’s kind of surreal to think about the past year of my life with her,” McGraw said of her four-legged trainee. “When I look at her, I see a little three-and-ahalf-month-old puppy, and now she’s off to do really

great things. Being a part of this organization has just honestly changed my life, and I couldn’t recommend it more.

“Samosa taught me as much as I taught her,” McGraw continued. “I’m just so proud of her, and I couldn’t picture a better match and better fit for her than to work with people who really need her.”

District Attorney Anne Donnelly was a special guest speaker at the graduation. “These dogs will make an enormous difference in so many lives, especially my Special Victims Bureau,” she told the crowd of people and canines. “I am grateful for our partnership with Canine Companions.”

Donnelly praised Samosa as a dog with a gift for relaxation.

“She was paired with our Special Victims Bureau because of how easygoing she is,” she explained. “Those qualities are desperately needed when it comes to helping victims of physical and sexual abuse feel a sense of calm.”

The graduating class was made up of four-legged experts in over 40 areas, able to support people of all ages with special needs or disabilities, helping them live with a greater degree of independence. The dogs are provided to clients at no cost.

Beyond the graduates, the ceremony also celebrated a new chapter for two longtime staff members at Canine Companions’ Medford center. Debra Dougherty is stepping down as executive director, and Ellen Torop, a mentor trainer of 36 years, is retiring.

“It was absolutely my dream job,” Torop said. “It was a beautiful marriage of what fascinated me about dogs, and also having an opportunity to feel like I had an immediate impact on people’s lives.”

Classes cover screen acting, editing, more

of those programs where there’s 30 kids flying around.”

Lawton said that after the studio launched they started with 17 kids. They finished the spring semester with 65. He added that he hopes to continue to increase interest and attendance.

According to its website, the Lawton Academy offers three 14-week long movie classes: movie making for kids, teen filmmaker’s club and editing movies.

IMovie making for kids meets once a week for two hours and is offered to ages 8-13. The cost of the class is $1,200 and students learn several aspects about filmmaking including how to operate a professional movie camera, capture quality sound recordings, editing and color correcting.

always wanted to do this.

ANDREW LAWTON

founder of Lawton Academy of Preforming Arts

Teen’s filmmaker’s club, offered to ages 13-19, and is for teens wanting to learn the filmmaking process. The class meets three hours once a week, with lighting technique, operating professional cinema cameras and green screen studio production being among many skills that students will have the chance to learn. The cost for the class is $1,600.

Editing movies, which is offered to all ages and costs $1,200 for the semester, teaches students how to shape raw footage into a polished final cut. Skills students will have the opportunity to gain include color correction, green screen removal and shaping pace, tone, as well as the story with editing.

It’s just skills in movie making, however, that Lawton Academy offers. They also have four acting classes available: little actors, theater acting I: foundations, screen acting I: fundamentals and screen acting II: connections.

Little actors, for ages 4-7, teaches the young students how to use their imaginations to create characters as well as stories, play theater games that develop focus, confidence, and creativity and learn basic acting and improvisation skills. The class is an hour and held once a week, with the cost being $600.

“Little kids are natural improvisers,” Katie Nisa, a teacher at Lawton Academy said. “We just play theater games, give them short scripted scenes and one thing that we’ve developed is we do a little play every class.”

Nisa met Lawton in 2021 while he was planning the

academy and has been a teacher since it opened.”I was very excited to help the school grow in any way possible,” she said. “I think it is an amazing place.”

In Stage acting I: foundations, offered to ages 10-18, students explore improvisation, short monologues and scenes from plays and scripts and strengthen their voice, movement, as well as storytelling skills. The classes are 90 minutes and held once a week, and cost $900 for the semester.

Screen acting I: fundamentals taught in Lawton Academy’s production studio, combines weekly acting games, rehearsals, and filmed scenes to help students gain comfort and confidence in front of the camera.

The class is two hours and held once per week, costing $1,100. Students learn several skills in the class including working on set, hitting marks, and taking direction as well as rehearsing and filming a new scene each week in the studio.

Screen acting II: connections is invitation only and designed actors with previous on-camera experience. The class cost, which includes editing and mastering

of scenes, is $1,100. The class is two hours and held once per week with actors working on exploring deeper connections to characters, building a portfolio of filmed, edited work suitable for reels and using green screen technology to expand acting range and imagination.

Lawton acknowledged that as a child classes like the ones he teaches and offers now were some of the best memories of his life. He expressed his desire to give his students a similar environment.

“It’s so important that the kids have a space where they can just create and let it fly,” he said. “And where there’s enough physical space for them to play and learn to trust their instincts creatively.”

Anyone interested in signing up for a free class or learning more about the school can head to LawtonAcademy.org. Lawton said he is hoping to hire more teachers who “love working with kids,” and “love what we’re doing here.” Looking to the future he hopes to add an editing class as well as a fall and spring musical.

Photos courtesy Lawton Academy of Performing Arts

Lawton Academy of Performing Arts teacher Katie Nisa said she loves the improvisational nature of teaching young students and emphasizes its importance during her classes.

The school was founded by Andrew Lawton, an actor and director formerly based in New York City who now lives in Sea Cliff.

Jonathan Dynega, left, Ben Cohen, Alexandra Southall and Hunter Driskill are some of the students who have taken movie making for kids at the Lawton Academy of Performing Arts.

STEPPING OUT

Unleash a

The Midtown Men

Jump in to solve a prehistoric ‘mystery’

Former stars of the award-winning jukebox musical “Jersey Boys,” reunited as The Midtown Men, are back with their ‘60s vibe at Eisenhower Park. During their time in the mega-hit, Tony Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony nominee J. Robert Spencer shared the stage for over 1,000 performances. These Broadway veterans, with their powerhouse band, are realizing the dream they brought to life as the iconic Four Seasons. The Midtown Men is the next chapter for these accomplished entertainers, making them the first vocal group ever formed by the principal cast of a high-profile Broadway show. Not only have they continued to win over audiences of all ages in nearly 2,000 live shows, their self-titled debut album, “The Midtown Men: Sixties Hits” was met with critical acclaim and garnered five star album reviews across iTunes and was followed by their first radio single “All Alone On Christmas.”

By Abbey Salvemini

Long Island Children’s Museum goes prehistoric this summer, bringing dinosaurs to life both in the exhibit space and on stage! Budding paleontologists have been digging into the exhibit “Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed,” where they uncover ancient secrets through real fossils and life-size skeletal replicas.

That prehistoric excitement leaps to the stage in the form of the museum’s latest original production. Newly installed theater co-directors Lisa Rudin and Austin Costello share visitors’ dino-fever and welcome everyone to “Unbox A Saurus For Us!”

Using the exhibit as its starting point, everyone enjoys what Costello describes as “a chaotic, interactive half hour of dinosaur comedy.”

For those who have yet to experience it, now’s the time, as show will soon be extinct — it closes Aug. 27!

The escapades actually begin within the exhibit area itself, where Rudin and Costello discuss the production and educate families about the fossil display.

“We wanted to do something fun, lighthearted and really interactive. We decided to start the show in the exhibit. We do about 10-15 minutes where we talk to kids and tell them about the show. When they come in, they get to go through the process of “un-boxing our saurus.” If they don’t come to the exhibit, that’s okay too, it’s not like you have to have one to understand the other,” Rudin explains.

The original storyline is based on the fictional eccentric Dr. Patricia Osiris, who works for the organization Dinorama. She’s set to uncrate a huge dinosaur she “discovered” for the museum, but misplaced her keys to the crate. She then calls out for help get the creature out of the box, encouraging everyone to use their imaginations. Each audience essentially carries out the remainder of what unfolds on stge by becoming problem solvers to assist scatterbrained Dr. Patti.

“The children have the power in that the show will not continue if they don’t play along,” Costello adds. It involves some creative improvisation, which gives each staging a special twist, depending upon the involvement of the audience.

“We do have a point in the show where we ask the kids to help us name the dinosaur. We also have a

• Aug. 20 and 27, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Aug. 24, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

• $5 with museum admission, $4 members, $10 theater only

• Tickets can be purchased at licm.org/theater or at the box office

• Museum Row, Garden City

moment where they get to ask the dinosaur questions, and of course, Austin [Costello], who is in the dinosaur costume, comes up with some really good answers,” Rudin says.

One thing is for certain: the “Saurus” will always be unboxed one way or another.

“My favorite moment is when the dinosaur is finally revealed because people really don’t know what to expect. They don’t know if it’s going to be a puppet or a costume and we do our best in not giving it away until the moment so that’s a really fun bit. A lot of excited, happy screaming,” Costello shares.

Rudin, who also a teaching artist when not involved with her museum theater duties explains that she specifically chooses comedy — and material — that young children respond to effectively.

“I like to bring a lot of joy to our audiences. They leave the show having had a lot of fun and the parents have had the joy and the pride in seeing their child participate. It’s just a joyful, fun, happy experience,” Rudin says.

And there’s even more to look forward to — the museum is already planning a series of original stage productions inspired by its upcoming exhibits, bringing hands-on learning to life in new and exciting ways.

Saturday, Aug. 16, 7 p.m. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. Contact nassaucountyny. gov for info and updates.

Monster Truck madness

day-only performance is part of the

Also don’t miss “Beezy County Fair: A Bee Tale,” a delightful stage adaptation of Gay Thomas’s heartwarming book, on Aug. 16. The story celebrates the power of working together toward a shared goal — all wrapped in a fun, fact-filled adventure buzzing with bee-related tidbits. The oneday-only performance is part of the museum’s annual sweet summer celebration, Honey Hoopla.

Rudin and Costello bring an energetic mix of comedy and imagination with an educational component to their productions, which introduce young audiences to live theater. The duo cultivates a joyful and engaging environment that encourages curiosity, creativity and laughter — leaving children and adults with lasting memories.

“Who wants to help uncover a dinosaur?” Yashaun Harris rallies young “paleontologists” for hands-on dinosaur fun during a pre-performance introduction inside the Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed exhibit.

UBS Arena explodes with the raw power of epic machines at Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live. “Kids” of all ages can watch their favorite Hot Wheels trucks come to life in Glow-N-Fire action. Everyone will enjoy the added fiery twist: pyrotechnic effects light up the arena. To make this show even more special, get ready an adrenalinefueled birthday party as the original monster truck that started it all, Bigfoot, marks its 50th year of entertaining fans. Of course, there’s so much more to grab your attention. Check out Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, Bone Shaker, Gunkster, and the newest entry, Skelesaurus, the giant that unleashes his fossil fury. Fans can also witness a special appearance from a transforming robot, plus the high-flyers of the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks freestyle motocross team.

Saturday, Aug, 16, 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 17, 2:30 p.m. UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. Tickets available at hotwheelsmonstertruckslive. com or ticketmaster.com.

Photos courtesy LICM

“All hands ready!” Dr. Patti (Lisa Rudin) and her eager young paleontology assistants work together to solve this great dinosaur mystery.

Roar: Green dinosaur arms burst out, amazing Dr. Patti and actor Yashaun Harris.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “At Play,” surveys artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainmentrelated activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the Folies-Bergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.

•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

•Time: Ongoing

•Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons: The Last Encores

For over 60 years, Frankie Valli has captured the hearts and souls of fans worldwide with unforgettable hits such as “Sherry” “Walk Like a Man” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Now Frankie makes his way back to New York on his farewell tour at Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair. It promises to be a poignant celebration of Valli’s legendary career, showcasing his timeless music and incredible showmanship. The original Jersey boy himself, Frankie Valli is a true American legend. Now 91, Valli is the only original member still performing with the group, which has been entertaining fans for more than six decades. His incredible career with the Four Seasons, as well as his solo success, has spawned countless hit singles. With unforgettable tunes like “Sherry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “December ‘63 – Oh What A Night,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” and of course, “Grease.” His songs have been omnipresent in other iconic movies such as “The Deer Hunter,” “Dirty Dancing,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Conspiracy Theory” and “The Wanderers.” As many as 200 artists have done cover versions of Frankie’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” from Nancy Wilson’s jazz treatment to Lauryn Hill’s hip-hop makeover. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons have sold over 100 million records worldwide. They continue to tour throughout the U.S. and abroad to packed houses receiving nightly standing ovations from thrilled fans of multiple generations. Valli’s long-lasting career led to the overwhelming success of the Broadway musical “Jersey Boys,” which chronicles Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons incredible career and features all of their greatest hits. The 12th longest-running show on Broadway has been seen by over 30 million people.

•Where: 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury

• Time: 8 p.m.

•Contact: livenation.com

is necessary. Registration required.

•Where: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay

•Time: Ongoing monthly, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

•Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210

Summer tunes

Live Stock, a band performing roots, party music, and rock, performs at the annual Summer Seranade concert series.

•Where: 70 Glen Ave., Sea Cliff

•Time: 6-8 p.m.

•Contact: seacliffcivicassociation.com

AUG

30

Vivaldi Celebration

AUG

16

Great Nature Play Day

Families can enjoy a summer adventure like no other at Planting Fields’ Nature Play Day Festival. Curiosity, creativity and the great outdoors come together! Perfect for kids of all ages and their families, this hands-on event invites young explorers to dive into nature through exciting activities, fun crafts, and endless fun in the sun. Components include outdoor exploration and eco-learning and nature-inspired crafts and creations. $15 child, ages 3-12. Parents and guardians attend for free. Registration required.

•Where: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay

•Time: Session I, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Session II, 1-4 p.m.

•Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210

Bat Walk

Join wildlife biologist Nic Comparato to explore the fascinating world of bats at Old Westbury Gardens. He’ll guide visitors in learning how bats use echolocation to navigate the night and hunt for insects. Listen for bat calls with specialized equipment, search the skies for

their silhouettes, and discuss their important role in local ecosystems and ongoing conservation efforts. All ages welcome. Free with admission. Space is limited; advance registration required for all attendees, including members. Rain date is Aug. 17.

•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

•Time: 8-9:30 p.m.

•Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

National

Honeybee Day at Sands Point Preserve

Celebrate this amazing insect at the preserve. Learn about the vital role honeybees play in our ecosystem and how we can help protect them, with activities for guests of all ages. Complete a flower scavenger hunt to win a small prize; create bee-related crafts to take home. Also learn about how native plants can help our pollinators with Rewild Long Island and the North Shore Audubon Society

•Where: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point

• Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

•Contact: sandspointpreserveconservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901

AUG

19

Architectural Review Board meets

The Board holds its monthly meeting.

•Where: 300 Sea Cliff Ave.

•Time: 6:45 p.m.

•Contact: info@seacliff-ny.gov

Sunset serenade

AUG

21

The Sea Cliff Porch Pickers,performing Americana, country, folk, and bluegrass music with traditional bluegrass instrumentation, bring their talents to the annual Summer Sunset Serenade concert series.

•Where: 70 Glen Ave., Sea Cliff

• Time: 6-8 p.m.

•Contact: seacliffcivicassociation.com

Next, dive into a nature-inspired craft to take home. Then, it’s time to put on your hiking shoes and head out on a scavenger hunt adventure, as everyone searches the park for signs of nature. For ages 2-5. Registration required. $15 per child.

•Where: Education Center, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay

•Time: 10-11 p.m.

•Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210

AUG

23

Monthly meditation

Acclaimed violinist Bela Horvath performs Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons.” Set against the lush and historic backdrop of Planting Fields, this outdoor concert brings nature and music into perfect harmony. Horvath brings a fresh and virtuosic interpretation to this beloved masterpiece. Vivaldi’s timeless composition rich with the sounds of birdsong, summer storms, crisp autumn breezes, and frozen winter landscapes has inspired generations of composers and music lovers alike. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, and picnic basket for a relaxing afternoon. Food truck are also on-site. $10, children free.

•Where: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay

• Time: 1-2:30 p.m.

•Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210

SEP

8

Board of Trustees meet

Sea Cliff Board of Trustees hold its monthly meeting to discuss important issues pertaining to the village.

•Where: 300 Sea Cliff Ave., Sea Cliff

• Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: info@seacliff-ny.gov

Having an event?

Little Learners’ Hiking

Planting Fields Little Learners series continues with adventure for the little ones to explore the wonders of pond life. Get ready for an outdoor adventure full of exploration and creativity. Begin by reading a book all about exploring the outdoors. AUG

Join H.E Gegye Yongyal Tulku Rinpoche, a 3rd seat reincarnate Buddhist Master and scholar in Buddhism, for one-hour session mindful meditation session at Planting Fields.. The program harnesses the profound natural qualities of Planting Fields park, which serves as a place of peace for many. The sessions take place in a different location on the site and teach participants how to lead more mindful lives through meditation. Whether you’re experienced or someone new to mindfulness, these sessions offer a gentle yet profound way to quiet your thoughts, release stress and experience the deep stillness that comes from aligning with the natural world. No prior experience

Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.

THINGS TO KNOW MTA PROPOSED CHANGES FOR RAILS

LIRR tickets could rise by over four percent, expire quicker

By BRIAN KACHARABA

bkacharaba@liherald.com

On July 30, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority released a proposal outlining a series of fare and ticket changes for the Long Island Rail Road, as well as increases in bridge and tunnel tolls. If approved by the MTA this fall, the changes would take effect in January 2026. Here’s a breakdown:

LIRR ticket price increases

The MTA is proposing an average fare increase of 4.4 percent on one-way peak, monthly, and weekly tickets for most Long Island Rail Road routes.

An off-peak city ticket would be raised by 25 cents to $5.25 and a peak city trip will have the same increase at a cost of $7.25.

Monthly fares would be capped at $500. If approved, this would mark the LIRR’s first fare hike since August 2023, when prices rose by 4.5 percent. Changes could take effect in January 2026.

Ticket activations

All one-way mobile tickets would automatically activate upon purchase and expire after four hours. Paper tickets would also expire four hours after purchase.

Currently, LIRR one-way and round-trip tickets are valid for 60 days from the date of purchase, and 10-trip tickets are valid for six months.

A new “Day Pass,” allowing unlimited travel, would replace the round-trip ticket. It would be valid from the time of purchase until 4 a.m. the following day.

Tolls on MTA bridges and tunnels are expected to rise by 7.5 percent for E-ZPass users with Tolls by Mail.

This would increase the toll from $6.94 to $7.46 for crossings such as the RFK, Whitestone, Throgs Neck, and Verrazzano-Narrows bridges, as well as the Queens-Midtown and Hugh L. Carey tunnels.

The Cross Bay and Marine Parkway bridges would go from $2.60 to $2.80.

Like the LIRR, the last hike for all nine bridges was in 2023.

Irish eyes were smilin’ at Eisenhower Park

By JACK SCHWED Intern

The sounds of bagpipes, fiddles and tap dancing filled the stage of Eisenhower Park’s Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater on Aug. 4. Through traditional song and dance performances, the Irish American Society of Nassau, Suffolk and Queens celebrated Long Island’s rich Irish heritage and culture for this year’s annual Irish American Night.

John Doyle, president of the Irish American Society’s local chapter, opened the event with a ceremony honoring standout members of the organization. This year’s honorees were former president Brigid McNulty, Patrick Myers, Kit Smith and PJ Smith.

Master of ceremonies and radio host Tony Jackson introduced each of the night’s performing acts, starting with Tommy Mulvihill and Sean Quinn who serenaded the crowd with the Irish and American national anthems.

The entertainment continued with the Inis Fada Gaelic Pipe Band — Inis Fada means Long Island in Irish — donning dark blue kilts and Glengarry bonnets as their powerful harmonies echoed throughout the park.

The Clann Agus Cairde Ceili Band then took the stage — Clann Agus Cairde translates to Family and Friends, and a Ceili is a traditional Irish social gathering that often involves dancing and playing Gaelic folk music. The group embodied the spirit of this tradition, with lively jigs that had the crowd moving around.

The dancing carried on as the Inis Fada Set Dancers got on stage, showcasing their vibrant group dances and encouraging audience members to join in.

This was followed by the Donny Golden School of Champion Irish Step Dancers, a group that has performed at many acclaimed venues, even appearing on television shows and documentaries. The school, regarded as one of the premier Irish dancing schools in the world, was founded by Donny Golden, one of the most renowned Irish dancers in the United States.

During an intermission, the Tommy Mulvihill Band returned to the stage, with Sean Quinn, fiddle in hand, paying homage to the extensive history of traditional Irish music.

As the night came to a close, the park roared with Irish spirit, as everyone sang and danced along to tunes from their homeland, highlighting the long-lasting legacy of Irish culture in America.

Sheila Ring, of Whitestone, enjoyed celebrating Irish culture.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

The Tommy Mulvihill Band showcased the legacy of Irish tradition in America at Irish American Night on Aug. 4.

Sean Quinn performed traditional Irish jigs on the fiddle.

Tony Jackson emceed at Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater.

Claire Casey of the Inis Fada Set Dancers wowed the audience with her enthusiastic Irish dance.

OPINIONS

This ain’t Texas: We must end Hochul’s partisan war

When voters passed a constitutional amendment in 2014 creating New York’s Independent Redistricting Commission, the goal was clear: to take politics out of the process and put the people back in charge of drawing their political maps.

But Albany is at it again.

Democratic lawmakers are now pushing a constitutional amendment to allow mid-decade redistricting — not because the law requires it, and not because populations shifted, but because it might help them win. Their excuse? “Texas is doing it.”

That’s not governance. That’s retaliation. And it’s dangerous.

Let’s remember: In 2022, the Court of Appeals resoundingly struck down Albany Democrats’ gerrymandered maps for violating the state Constitution. It was a clear rebuke. The voters had spoken in 2014, and the court reaffirmed their will.

And yet, despite already spending over $20 million of taxpayer money on

lawyers, consultants and failed commissions, Albany Democrats want to try again. They want to build a permanent partisan escape hatch into the Constitution — so they can redraw maps whenever it suits them.

This time, they’re declaring war. Literally.

Gov. Kathy Hochul recently called for dismantling the IRC entirely, saying, “This is a war … the gloves are off … we’re done playing nice.” She even hosted Texas Democrats who fled their state to break a quorum over redistricting — then floated that New York should fight fire with fire.

This is not leadership. It’s constitutional vandalism.

VIntegrity. Instead it became a $10 million deadlocked commission whose maps were ignored. Lawmakers seized control, chaos ensued, and the courts had to clean up the mess.

Now Albany wants to enshrine that chaos into law.

oters should choose their representation — not the other way around.

Let me be clear: I’m not a Texas Republican, and I’m certainly not a New York Democrat trying to hijack our electorate. I’m a Long Island assemblyman who believes voters should choose their political representation — not the other way around. I believe in decency, the rule of law, and the idea that these ends do not justify the means.

And if this amendment passes the Legislature, I will see them in court.

The IRC may be imperfect, but it was created by the people of New York with one goal in mind: stability. Fairness.

Let’s look at the price we’ve already paid: $7 million in outside redistricting contracts; $3 million in State Senate legal fees; $1.5 million by the Assembly; and $2.4 million in direct litigation costs. All funded by taxpayers. And what has this endless redistricting battle delivered? Confusion. Distrust. Broken promises. The only thing worse than politicians choosing their voters is asking those voters to pay for it.

I won’t stand idly by while our Constitution becomes a casualty of partisan warfare. And I won’t let Hochul — or anyone else — rip it up just because they’re losing the game.

What we need now is not another power grab. We need a peace deal — not between political parties, but between our elected officials and the people of New York. A ceasefire in the redistricting wars. A commitment to play by the rules we all agreed to.

Because if we don’t, the consequenc-

es will cascade: more lawsuits, more court-drawn maps, more public cynicism. And while Albany’s political class obsesses over lines on a map, the real issues — our affordability, housing, immigration, mental health, insurance, and rampant fraud crises — go unaddressed.

This moment demands more than partisanship. It demands principle. If Albany Democrats push this amendment forward, they will betray the voters, break the public trust, and ignite another political firestorm. And I will meet them — with legislation, with public opposition and, if necessary, with litigation in both state and federal courts.

To my colleagues, I offer a final word of caution, and a plea: You don’t defend democracy by undermining it. You don’t restore public trust by rewriting rules to stay in power. You don’t govern by declaring war on the very voters you serve.

Let’s put the voters first. Let’s honor the Constitution. Let’s broker a peace deal — not to help one party win, but to help New Yorkers win, and heal. I stand ready to fight, but more important, I stand ready to lead.

If this becomes a war, I’ll see you in court. But I’d rather see us return to decency, together.

Jake Blumencranz represents the 15th Assembly District.

For Mets fans, this year was supposed to be different

In early June, I was planning my October.

The Mets, whose record at the time was 41–24, led the National League East by3½ games on June 7. They didn’t just look like contenders — they looked like one of the best teams in baseball. Their pitching rotation was sharp, leading the major leagues with an ERA of 2.4. Their bats were delivering timely hits. And for once, the bullpen didn’t make me want to walk into traffic. It was, dare I say, fun to be a Mets fan. But these are the Mets. Fun is fleeting. Hope is hazardous, and being a fan is not for the faint of heart. And now, two months later, I’m left wondering what happened to the team that had me believing. Since that June date, the Mets had gone 22–31 as of Sunday night. That’s not just a slump; that’s a collapse. At press time, they trailed the Philadelphia

Phillies by 5½ games in the N.L. East and were once again staring down the possibility of a late-season scramble just to get into the postseason. Sound familiar? It should. Last year’s agonizing, stress-filled play-in saga added to my existing gray hair.

And the worst part? It didn’t have to be this way.

In the days before the July 31 trade deadline, the front office made moves — smart ones, even. Acquiring left-hander Gregory Soto and right-handers Tyler Rogers and Ryan Helsley — all three are relievers — and outfielder Cedric Mullins.

Htheir heads.

ope is hazardous, and being a fan of this team is not for the faint of heart.

Being a Mets fan means riding the emotional equivalent of the Cyclone at Coney Island — except instead of screaming with joy, you’re mostly screaming at the bullpen. We’ve been here before: 2007, 2008, 2015’s near-miracle, 2022’s 101win team that fizzled in the Wild Card Series. Even last year’s appearance in the League Championship Series, just to lose to the Dodgers, felt like a cruel joke.

chises play meaningful baseball while we stew in what-ifs.

There’s still time. Two months remain, and the National League is crowded. If the Mets can rediscover what worked — if their arms stay healthy, if the lineup settles into a groove, if the new acquisitions mesh quickly — this team can still avoid the play-in.

They can still push deep. But those ifs are starting to feel heavier by the day.

They added those arms and a little pop to the lineup, trying to patch what was clearly fraying. For a moment, it looked like the front office had figured it out: Invest in the stretch run, avoid the one-game elimination trap and push for an actual run in October.

But good decisions in the front office don’t always translate into wins on the field. Injuries happened. Slumps happened. And maybe, just maybe, the pressure of being “the team to beat” got into

This year was supposed to be different. And for a while, it was. The earlyseason version of the Mets played like a complete team. Watching them was a reminder of why we stick with baseball — for the rhythms, the tension, the slowburn drama of a team finding itself. It felt earned. It felt genuine.

Now? I watch games bracing for the bullpen to unravel in the seventh inning. I second-guess every swing with runners in scoring position. I wonder if we’ve already seen the best this team has to offer — and if we’re about to spend another fall watching other fran-

Baseball is cruel that way. The highs don’t last. The lows can seem to stretch forever. And sometimes the worst thing the sport can give you isn’t heartbreak, it’s hope.

The frustrations and stresses of being a Mets fan have no boundaries. Especially after a weekend series in which they lost three games to the Central Division-leading Milwaukee Brewers. A team with so much promise now must pick up the pieces, starting this week with a series against its annual nemesis, the Atlanta Braves. So I’ll watch, and hope the turnaround starts there. Because I’m a Mets fan. And that is what we do.

Jeff Bessen is the managing editor of Herald Community Media.

JAKE BLUMENCRANZ

JEFFREY BESSEN

2

Phone:

Web:

Get involved — join your local civic association

We Long Islanders pride ourselves on our tight-knit neighborhoods — where we know our neighbors, care about our schools and keep an eye on the quality of life around us.

But strong communities don’t happen by accident. They take work, collaboration, and a willingness to roll up our sleeves when challenges arise. That’s where civic associations have a role.

Civic associations are the heartbeat of thriving communities, bringing neighbors together to solve problems, advocate for resources and foster meaningful connections. They are volunteerdriven organizations that give residents a collective voice and a platform for making changes. And in a time when so many people are frustrated by governmental red tape and feel disconnected from the work our legislators do, civic groups offer a way to take action where you live — and see the results.

Across Nassau and Suffolk counties, civic associations are tackling the issues that matter most to their residents: keeping streets safe, preserving open space, making infrastructure improvements, protecting the environment, supporting local businesses. They hold pub-

LETTERS

Nassau County isn’t a police state.

lic forums at which residents can question elected officials face to face. They organize cleanup days to beautify parks and playgrounds. They rally for traffic safety measures, improved lighting, and the repair of roads and sidewalks. They speak out at zoning board meetings.

These groups also help knit together the social fabric of our neighborhoods. Civic associations often host holiday celebrations, block parties, cultural festivals, and other events that bring residents together. They foster a sense of belonging that is too often missing in our lives these days, when it’s easy to retreat behind doors and screens.

When residents band together, it’s harder for elected officials to ignore their concerns. A single phone call or email might go unanswered, but a unified letter from a civic association — backed by dozens, or hundreds, of neighbors — commands attention.

Long Island has a proud tradition of grassroots involvement. Many of our strongest civic victories — from preserving coastal wetlands to blocking irresponsible overdevelopment — were made possible by everyday residents who refused to sit on the sidelines. They showed up, spoke out and organized.

ICE is just making it safer.

To the Editor:

Re Claudia Borecky’s letter in the July 31-Aug. 6 issue, “Nassau County is showing signs of becoming a police state”: Perhaps another way of looking at County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s reallocating 10 brave detectives to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement is that they are being deployed exactly where they should be.

They will be removing criminal illegals and continuing to make Nassau County safe. Dismantling gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, which are transnational criminal organizations, is another move toward public safety. Under the current administration’s immigration policies, securing our borders will reduce the volume of fentanyl that has been flowing into our country. This will save many thousand of lives per year.

As a proud first-generation immigrant, I am all for legal immigration. But in New York state, there has been a burden placed on our school systems and hospitals due to mass illegal immigration. The cost of housing illegals was estimated to be well into the billions in 2023 alone.

The Democratic party of my father is gone. Replacing it is a party of open borders, defunding the police, defending criminals, the “green new scam,” men in women’s sports, DEI, election

And they did it not for personal gain, but because they cared about the place they call home.

Civic associations need new members to survive — and that’s where you can help.

Too often, a small group of volunteers carries the load year after year. Without fresh ideas and extra hands, these groups risk fading away — along with the community’s ability to respond to challenges.

If you’ve never been to a meeting, try attending the next one in your area. You’ll learn about local issues, meet new neighbors, and see how quickly your voice can make a difference.

In the end, joining your local civic association is about more than fixing a pothole or stopping a bad development. It’s about ensuring that Long Island remains a place where people look out for one another, where our neighborhoods stay safe and welcoming, and where the future reflects the values we share.

Your community needs you. Those who show up — in person, around the table, ready to listen, prepared to speak and willing to work together, will write Long Island’s future. Be one of them.

interference, and high crime due to bail reform. National Democrats claim to be the party for women’s rights, yet turned a blind eye to the fact that so many of the women crossing the southern border

under the previous administration were raped. How many people were complicit with the cover-up of President Biden’s cognitive decline?

As the policies of the Trump adminis-

Nonprofit grant program helps secure houses of worship

ALAURA A. GILLEN

s the representative of New York’s 4th Congressional District, I am urging houses of worship across Nassau County’s South Shore to apply for the fiscal year 2025 Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The NSGP is a critical tool that provides federal funding to houses of worship and other nonprofits for security enhancements, including physical security infrastructure, emergency alert systems and certain contracted security personnel.

Earlier this month, I urged the acting administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to issue NSGP

grant applications for fiscal year 2025 during a hearing of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. I spoke directly with the acting administrator about how synagogues, churches and many other houses of worship and religious institutions across the South Shore rely on this critical funding to keep worshippers safe.

After months of delay, I am pleased that the administration has finally made these funds available for fiscal year 2025. My office has already begun working with houses of worship across the 4th District to prepare their applications, and I encourage all those interested in applying for this federal funding opportunity to reach out for more information on the application process.

A nd it’s an urgent need as we face an increase in hate and extremism.

must apply for the NSGP through the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. More information on how to apply will be available from the division. In the meantime, I encourage houses of worship interested in applying to make use of the Getting Started Guide, available on the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ website, to make sure you are prepared to apply.

to safeguard our institutions is particularly urgent as we face an increase in hate and extremism in New York and across the country.

As threats against houses of worship rise, the need for contracted security personnel has become a reality for many of our faith-based communities. I have also spoken with faith leaders in my district about the need to increase the ability of houses of worship to use NSGP funding for those personnel. While that funding supports physical security enhancements, there is a real need to help reimburse personnel costs.

Houses of worship and nonprofits

LETTERS

tration start to take hold, we find secure borders, fair tariffs, lower fuel costs, multiple peace treaties, energy independence, and a renewed pride in the USA. The Democrats have tried to cheat, impeach (two times), bankrupt and imprison President Trump. I look forward to seeing the outrage and pearl clutching as the president presides over the country’s 250th anniversary, the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 and the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. Coming soon, the hammer is going to drop on everyone involved win the Russian collusion hoax, with multiple mug shots to follow.

TOM O’CONNOR North Bellmore

Ryan will be missed at NUMC

To the Editor:

Under the leadership of Megan Ryan, the Nassau Health Care Corporation (NuHealth) experienced a revitalization that had been absent for over a decade. As CEO, Ryan brought back a clear mission and vision centered on patient care, operational integrity and long-term sustainability. Her approach to restructuring the finance department significantly improved revenue through more efficient billing practices. In addition, Ryan expanded access to care by extending clinic hours to better serve our community. She led a successful fundraiser to acquire a

brand new, state-of-the-art Mammography Van, and construction is now underway for a first-time catheterization lab.

Ryan’s leadership extended beyond the walls of the Nassau University Medical Center. When it was revealed that New York state owed NuHealth nearly $1 billion in Medicaid funding, Ryan took action. She organized and financed a bus trip to Albany, where she and NuHealth employees lobbied lawmakers — having previously testified at budget hearings — demanding the funds NuHealth was rightfully owed. Her advocacy for NuHealth and its patients also included standing firm against the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority, which proposed downsizing. She fought to protect both the workforce and the quality of care for the community.

Ryan’s previous efforts had ensured that NuHealth continued to deliver high-quality services to families, even in the face of political and financial pressures. Unfortunately, it appears that those efforts to stand up for NuHealth’s interests drew political retaliation. The proposed state takeover of NuHealth by Gov. Kathy Hochul, with the help of NIFA’s chairman, Richard Kessel, may be viewed as silencing a CEO who had simply been doing what was right for the people.

Ryan should be commended, not condemned, for her courage, advocacy, and dedication to the community and employees she served. VINCENT

PINKNEY Baldwin

I am committed to making sure that our religious institutions have the necessary resources to protect themselves so that every community can worship and practice religion free from fear. It is important to bring back more of our tax dollars from Washington to better protect our communities from terrorism and other threats. Securing this funding

The NSGP is a critical tool to help secure our houses of worship and other nonprofits. I will continue to work on this important issue, and look forward to helping these entities bring back federal dollars to keep our communities on Long Island safe.

Laura Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.

FRAMEWORK by Mallory Wilson

At the Lincoln Memorial — Washington, D.C.

Your Global Real Estate Connection

Embarking on a move? Whether it’s to a new town, across states, or even overseas, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty is here to make your transition seamless. Our Relocation and Referrals department excels in connecting you with dedicated local experts. Our team ensures that every detail is handled expertly, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your new journey. With a proven global track record, we offer unparalleled service and expertise.

Trust us to guide you wherever you want home to be.